NS subscriptions and international travel

Are you going for an international journey and want to use your discount on the Dutch part of the journey? Of course, that is possible. When taking an international trip other discount conditions apply to NS subscriptions then when taking a domestic trip. Can you not travel there and back with the same discount? You can also book two separate one-way tickets.
Please note: the class of your NS subscription determines the class of your trip within the Netherlands.

When no discount applies

The NS discount cards do not apply to:

Thalys, Eurostar, Nightjet and the cheapest fare to Germany. With a 40% discount card you will also not receive a discount on the Early Bird fare (Interctity Brussels). However, if you have a 100% discount card you will receive a discount.

Book to/through Germany

Do you want to make a booking for multiple persons to Germany and use different discount cards? Please contact us by phone for the best advice.The DB Bahncard can only be purchased at DB.

Discount percentages with international travel

For discount percentages for the studentenreisproduct,see this page

One international ticket for your entire trip

You can book your trip from the station in the Netherlands you first board from to your final destination with one ticket. Are you entitled to a 40% or 100% discount on the domestic route? Please indicate this while booking:

• Via our website: select option '40% discount in the Netherlands' or '100% discount in the Netherlands'.
• Via an NS ticket machine: select option '40% discount in the Netherlands or '100% discount in the Netherlands'.

Then you will receive an international ticket which includes the 40% or 100% discount. Do not forget to bring your NS subscription as well as your ticket on your trip. You should be able to show both.

Do you need to check in and out?

• Are you traveling with an international ticket with a square barcode? Then you can travel without checking in and out. With this barcode you can open gates at a Dutch station. Checking in and out at a foreign station is not possible.
• Are you traveling with an international ticket purchased from the NS ticket machine or NS service desk? Then you can check in at a station in the Netherlands. You cannot check out or check in on your return journey abroad. When you return to the Netherlands, you check out at your arrival station.
• Pay attention! Are you traveling with an international ticket with a 40 or 100% discount on the Dutch route? In that case, take the OV-chipkaart with your NS subscription (eg NS-Business Card Trein Vrij) with you during the trip, so that you can demonstrate that you are entitled to a discount when travelling. But DO NOT check in or out with this OV chip card.